PAU International Student Film Festival (PAUISFF) 2026 returns for its third edition as a vibrant celebration of the next generation of African filmmakers and storytellers. This year’s theme, Unboxed: Your Africa, Your Story, invites bold, original, and authentic cinematic voices from across the continent to challenge conventions, reimagine narratives, and share fresh perspectives on Africa and its people.

Holding from 15–17 October 2026 at the Pan-Atlantic University main campus in Lagos, Nigeria, PAUISFF 2026 promises an exciting blend of glamour, intellectual depth, creative exchange, and the discovery of daring new talents shaping the future of African cinema. The festival provides a dynamic platform for student filmmakers to showcase their work, engage with industry professionals, build collaborations, and gain recognition within a vibrant community of film lovers, scholars, and creatives.

Overall Best Film
Best PAU Film
Best Director
Best Story
Best Acting (Male)
Best Acting (Female)
Best Documentary
Best Sound Design
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Animation
⁠Audience Choice Award

Sponsored Categories
The Amaka Igwe Gender Equity Film Prize
The YMSA Creativity in Learning Award
The PAU Press African Academic Publishing Documentary Prize

Eligibility Criteria:
1. Only current students or recently graduated students not later than January 2024 from any educational institution in Africa are eligible to submit films
2. Films must be student-produced.
3. Proof of studentship, such as a student ID or graduation certificate, should be submitted by applicants at the time of submission.
4. Each student or team can submit at most two entries.
5. All films must include English subtitles. Submissions without English subtitles will be disqualified.
6. Previously submitted films cannot be resubmitted.
7. All films must meet the technical requirements specified below:

Technical requirements:
Films must be in either MP4 or MOV
Codec should be H.264
Audio Codec should be AAC

8. Other submission materials, such as the entry form, filmmaker bio, synopsis, and posters, must be uploaded to FilmFreeway
9. Due rights and permissions must be acquired for music, footage, and other copyrighted material.
10. Rights and Permissions: The festival reserves the right to use submitted films for promotional purposes (with proper credit to the filmmaker). However, filmmakers retain ownership of their intellectual property.
11. Amendment and Interpretation: The festival reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations if necessary.

For more information, contact festival organizers and supervisors.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thank you for the official selection of our film "Square"!

    June 2025
  • A huge thank you to the Pan-Atlantic University International Student Film Festival for celebrating creativity and storytelling! Your platform empowers young filmmakers to share their visions and bring diverse perspectives to life. The dedication, passion, and talent showcased at this festival are truly inspiring. Here's to more incredible films and unforgettable moments ahead!

    June 2025
  • It was a great experience as being nominated by the festival,

    June 2025
  • Even though we were far away, we followed the festival live. It was a good experience. I just have a small reproach. You shared all the nominees on your social media but I guess you forgot my movie :) it doesn't matter. I thank everyone who contributed for this wonderful festival.

    June 2025
  • Communication was smooth, thank you to the organizing committee

    June 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your rating. We will keep getting better and better.